This brooch was made at the invitation of Artisan for its exhibition Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor: 100 Women 100 Brooches 100 Stories. The exhibition began in Brisbane in 2011 and visited most States during 2012-14.

Prudence Arber (1852-1932) was born in the Mount Barker region of Western Australia. She had no formal education, but learnt bush lore from Indigenous people. She became a shepherdess, living rough and sleeping under the stars. Later in life she used a tent, but always slept on the ground. She made a fortune from her wool, which she kept as gold sovereigns in a bank in Albany.

The open weave and white-finished silver wire are references to wool and the wide outdoors. The diamonds in their gold bezel settings speak of the stars she slept under and the wealth she eventually amassed.